Contents

The earliest known people on Ludlam Island (where Strathmere is located) were the Lenapeindigenous people, who came to the island in the summertime to hunt fish and crustaceans. Along the northern 1.5 mi (2.4 km) portion of the island was a community named Corson's Inlet, after the waterway separating the island and Ocean City to the north.[10] A part of Upper Township and Dennis Township became a part of neighboring Sea Isle City in 1905, also on Ludlam Island.[11] That same year, Sea Isle City sold Corson's Inlet to Upper Township for $31,500 (1905 USD) to pay off municipal debt. In 1912, the community of Corson's Inlet was renamed Strathmere.[10]

The Whale Beach section of Strathmere got its name from the whales that would periodically beach themselves there.

In 2007, Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach petitioned to leave Upper Township and join neighboring Sea Isle City, citing an unfair tax burden, inadequate municipal services, and a lengthy wait time for the police. The local planning board held 18 meetings over the next two years, and the township recommended against de-annexation in 2009, noting that taxes would increase school taxes by 20% for the remainder of Upper Township. The group in favor of de-annexation filed a suit with the New Jersey Superior Court, which ruled against the petition in 2010. An appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court was denied in January 2013.[12]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 0.760 square miles (1.968 km2), including 0.598 square miles (1.549 km2) of land and 0.162 square miles (0.419 km2) of water (21.29%).[1][13]

There were 82 households out of which 9.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.93 and the average family size was 2.49.[3]

In the CDP, the population was spread out with 8.9% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 10.1% from 25 to 44, 42.4% from 45 to 64, and 34.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 57.9 years. For every 100 females there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 108.7 males.[3]

As of the 2000 United States Census[5] there were 175 people, 93 households, and 54 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 104.0/km2 (269.6/mi2). There were 464 housing units at an average density of 275.6/km2 (714.7/mi2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.71% White, 1.14% Asian, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.71% of the population.[14]

Of the 93 households; 7.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.9% were non-families. 38.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.88 and the average family size was 2.44.[14]

In the CDP the population was spread out with 8.0% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 17.1% from 25 to 44, 36.6% from 45 to 64, and 34.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.[14]

The median income for a household in the CDP was $78,709, and the median income for a family was $77,783. Males had a median income of $40,972 versus $43,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $52,045. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.[14]

During the summer months, frequent episodes of high humidity occur. Occasionally, heat index values exceed 95 °F (35 °C). During most summer afternoons, a sea breeze dominates the coastline keeping high temperatures several degrees cooler compared to areas farther inland. During most nights, relatively mild ocean waters keep the coastline several degrees warmer than areas farther inland. On average, July is the annual peak for thunderstorm activity. During the winter months, wind chill values occasionally fall below 0 °F (-18 °C). On average, the snowiest month of the year is February which corresponds with the annual peak for nor'easter activity.